Mesa Felony Criminal Defense Lawyer

Over a Decade of Award-Winning Defense in the State of Arizona

A felony charge can derail your life. Even first-time, nonviolent offenses
can threaten lengthy prison sentences and huge fines. Whether or not you
committed the crime, you are entitled to due process. The best way to
protect your rights and get the best outcome for your individual situation
is to hire a skilled Mesa criminal defense attorney with experience successfully
defending people charged with felonies. At McPhie Law, we understand Arizona’s
complex criminal court system and we can guide you through the process
with compassion.

Which Crimes Are Felonies?

If you were arrested, you may not know whether you will face a felony or
misdemeanor until the prosecutor files formal charges. Arizona divides felonies into
three broad types: dangerous crimes, non-dangerous crimes, and dangerous
crimes against children.

The most commonly charged felony crimes and their respective categories include:

Sexual exploitation of a minor, including prostitution and pornography

Giving harmful items (such as guns or drugs) to a minor

Luring a minor for sexual exploitation

Sexual assault of a minor

What Are the Penalties for a Felony Crime?

Felony penalties vary widely depending on the crime but always involve
a potential penalty of at least one year in jail. Arizona law divides
felonies into six classes based on the severity of the underlying crime.

First- and second-degree murder are Class 1 felonies, while Class 6 felonies
are generally nonviolent, non-dangerous crimes. Arizona law sets presumptive
sentences for most felonies, which usually lie somewhere between the statutorily
prescribed minimum and maximum sentences.

First-time, nonviolent offenders charged with drug crimes are usually eligible
for probation.

Below are the sentencing minimums and maximums for each felony class:

Class 1: First-degree murder means life in prison or the death penalty. Second-degree
murder carries a sentence of 16 years to life.

Class 2: The minimum sentence for Class 2 felonies is four years for non-dangerous
crimes. If convicted, however, the state can incarcerate defendants for
35 years, depending on the circumstances surrounding their crimes and
their prior criminal records.

Class 3: The minimum sentence for Class 3 felonies is two years and six months
for non-dangerous crimes, but if convicted of a more serious crime or
prior offenses exist, a defendant could face 25 years in prison.

Class 4: Sentencing for Class 4 felonies ranges from 18 months to 16 years, depending
on the nature of the crime and the number of prior offenses.

Class 5: The minimum sentence for Class 5 felonies is nine months, and the maximum
sentence is seven-and-a-half years, depending on the specific circumstances
surrounding the crime and the defendant’s prior record.

Class 6: Sentencing for Class 6 felonies ranges from six months to six years.
In some cases, often for first-time offenders, a judge may reduce a Class
6 felony to a Class 1 misdemeanor, and adjust the sentence accordingly.

In addition to jail time, a felony conviction may incur other penalties,
including:

Fines of up to $150,000

A court-ordered drug treatment program in lieu of jail time, especially
for first-time offenders

For crimes where the victim incurred economic losses or property damage,
the judge will likely order restitution in addition to all other penalties.

For sex crimes, a judge may order the convicted felon to register as a
sex offender.

What Are the Possible Defenses against Drug Charges?

An experienced Arizona criminal defense lawyer will decide on the appropriate
legal strategy based on the specific circumstances of your case. A good
defense might result in the reduction or dismissal of your charges, or
at least persuade leniency by the judge during sentencing.

Examples of potential defenses include:

The accused maintains innocence and suggests that someone else committed
the crime.

The accused was coerced into committing the crime or was under duress when
committing the crime.

Any bodily injury to another, whether murder or assault, was the result
of self-defense.

The statute of limitations for the crime has expired.

The prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove guilt.

Law enforcement committed constitutional violations during the investigation,
such as not reading a defendant’s rights or engaging in an unlawful
search and seizure.

Entrapment, which is where the police set up the accused to commit the crime.

Law enforcement didn’t follow proper procedures.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?

A felony conviction involves numerous potential penalties and consequences,
including jail time and a loss of certain civil rights. If you are charged
with a felony, you likely want the court to dismiss your charges, or at
very least reduce your amount of jail time.

A skilled criminal defense attorney will protect your rights and secure
the best possible outcome given the specific circumstances of your case.
At McPhie Law, we offer free consultations where you can share your story
of the incident. If you decide to retain us, we will analyze your case
and develop a strong legal defense.

Call the Experienced Defense Attorneys at McPhie Law

If you were arrested and charged with a felony,
contact an experienced Arizona criminal defense lawyer immediately to determine
your best course of action. When appropriate, an attorney will investigate
your case, interview witnesses, and gather information to help build a
strong legal defense.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.